The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : CGHS a cause of vexation for retired employees

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Sunday, Mar 09, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

CGHS a cause of vexation for retired employees

Medical reimbursement is yet another area of concern

The 13 CGHS dispensaries can’t handle laboratory tests and hence tests are outsourced
The CGHS of Hyderabad can sanction only Rs. 2 lakh for reimbursement

HYDERABAD: An 80-year-old patient of Saroornagar travels all the way to Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) Punjagutta, just for diagnostic services.

Since three-years, a heart patient, despite dicey health with three stents used to unclog heart vessels, runs from pillar to post for reimbursement of medical bills.

Both have contrasting tales.

However, the common thread holding them together is that they are covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). These instances embody the way this health scheme with a lot of promise has now become a source of vexation for thousands of retired Government employees.

It takes at least a week or even more to get results of laboratory tests.

The 13 CGHS dispensaries in twin cities can’t handle laboratory tests and hence tests are outsourced.

“If eight tests are prescribed, they ask us to get them done at three different labs in city,” points out A Vijaylakshmi, post-office employee at Saroornagar.

Even as the diagnostic services of CGHS are hampered, its medical reimbursement scheme is yet another instance of how unfriendly the scheme is for patients. The CGHS of Hyderabad can sanction only Rs. 2 lakh for reimbursement. What happens to those whose medical bills exceed the said amount?

“I have contacted all possible officials including Director General of CGHS, New Delhi, to reimburse by medical bills. I am fighting this battle since three years and I won’t give up till I die,” says Sujit Jibon Roy, who underwent heart surgery at CARE hospitals in 2005.

Mr. Roy’s medical bills exceeded Rs. 2 lakh because the doctors had to use three stents to save his heart.

“My sons borrowed money for surgery. The Hyderabad CGHS was unwilling to support me because I had a CGHS card of Kolkata,” he explains.

Lifetime card

Lifetime CGHS card, touted to be a solution for employees who frequently get transferred, is not accepted at all CGHS dispensaries.

“A few years ago, reports of misuse of such cards by impersonating came to light. Since then, genuine employees who get transferred regularly suffer,” pointed out Railway employee Santosh Kumar Verma.

Do you have any issues with the CGHS services or hospitals? Please email them to ‘ hydlife@thehindu.co.in’ or post them to The City Editor, The Hindu, Begumpet, Hyderabad – 16.

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